Himalaya Harbinger, Rudrapur Bureau.
The Khel Mahakumbh, a significant event aimed at nurturing sports talent in rural and urban areas, is scheduled to commence from October 4. The Youth Welfare Department of district Udham Singh Nagar, which organizes the event, has introduced several changes this year, including an expanded age limit and dual registration options for participants.
For the first time, players can register both online and offline, with registration portals expected to open following a final meeting on Monday. This new system allows participants to register from the comfort of their homes via mobile devices.
The competition will begin at the Nyaya Panchayat level, with 27 Nyaya Panchayats in the district overseeing the initial events. According to BS Rawat, District Youth Welfare and Prantiya Rakshak Dal Officer, “Preparations for Khel Mahakumbh have been completed, and we are excited to kick off the competitions on October 4.”
This year, athletes aged up to 23 have been included, an increase from the previous age limit of 21. Players will compete in various categories, including open events. Indoor games will take place at the Manoj Sarkar Sports Stadium, while athletics will be held at the Police Line grounds in Rudrapur.
“The budget for organizing events at the Nyaya Panchayat level has been increased from Rs 10,000 to Rs 16,000, ensuring better facilities for players,” Rawat added. The event, launched in 2018 by former Sports Minister Arvind Pandey, has seen growing participation. Last year, over 13,000 players competed, surpassing the target of 10,000.
Rawat further said, “The event will be conducted in phases, beginning with the Nyaya Panchayat level from October 4 to 31. Following that, the Vikas Khand level competitions will take place from October 25 to November 15, with district-level competitions running from November 16 to December 10. The grand finale, the state-level competition, will be held between December 15 and January 31. Special events for disabled athletes will be organized from January 10 to 11”.
Cash prizes for winners have been increased at every level of the competition. At the Nyaya Panchayat level, the first-place winner will receive Rs 300, while the second and third-place winners will receive Rs 200 and Rs 150, respectively. At the Vikas Khand level, the prizes will increase to Rs 500 for first place, Rs 400 for second, and Rs 300 for third. For district-level winners, the cash awards will be Rs 800, Rs 600, and Rs 400, respectively. The highest cash prizes will be awarded at the state level, with Rs 1,500 for first place, Rs 1,000 for second, and Rs 700 for third.
